thorn697 0 Posted January 19, 2018 It dawned on me today that it has been about 1 year since I made my first strap. I thought it would be fun to shoot some photos showing just how much progress I've made over the year. Over the year, it has grown from a fun way to spice up my watches to a funding source for my watch problem. It's allowed me to chat with watch collectors of all types about their collections while moving through a creative process. I've been able to visit leather suppliers, shipped goods to 15+ countries, and made thoughtful gifts for all of my family members. It's really been a joy the whole way. Take this as motivation to try that new hobby you've always been curious about. First tribal stitch vs most recent First shark vs most recent. Maybe the most fun and and time consuming part of this hobby is tracking down quality leathers. It is very difficult to find quality leathers in small quantities, especially exotic leathers. It requires quite a bit of reaching out and rejection to hit pay dirt. Edge finishing has improved due to a combination of application skill, paint quality, and tools Hole punching has improved with technique and muscle memory Thanks for looking ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Not Quite Dead 9 Posted January 19, 2018 They look good and you can see the progress you are making. I am just about to plunge into the next stage of changing dials and hands - taking a perfectly reasonable working watch and er we shall see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glaude 1,615 Posted January 19, 2018 11 hours ago, thorn697 said: Maybe the most fun and and time consuming part of this hobby is tracking down quality leathers. It is very difficult to find quality leathers in small quantities, especially exotic leathers. It requires quite a bit of reaching out and rejection to hit pay dirt. +1000 Don't forget the constant pestering about ordering small quantities (without knowing if they'll suit you need) and having to pay shipping fees (where's Amazon when you need it ?) Great progress ! There's some beautiful strap in your pics ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thorn697 0 Posted January 20, 2018 On 1/18/2018 at 22:52, Not Quite Dead said: They look good and you can see the progress you are making. I am just about to plunge into the next stage of changing dials and hands - taking a perfectly reasonable working watch and er we shall see. Good luck! My hands were way too shaky for that type of thing. On 1/19/2018 at 09:52, Glaude said: +1000 Don't forget the constant pestering about ordering small quantities (without knowing if they'll suit you need) and having to pay shipping fees (where's Amazon when you need it ?) Great progress ! There's some beautiful strap in your pics ! I agree. It's frustrating when something $20 costs another $30 to ship. Exotic leather on Amazon would be awesome . It won't ever happen though. From what I understand, tanning is a tough business. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites